The Chicago Bears have a new avenue to adding a productive veteran pass rusher to their roster before the official start of 2026 NFL free agency on March 11.
Following a season in which Chicago finished tied for last in pass-rush win rate (29%), the Bears are expected to make improving their pass rush a top priority during the 2026 offseason with justifiable needs at both the defensive tackle and edge rusher positions.
The Bears are also in a bind when it comes to fixing their defensive line. Three of their seven largest cap hits for 2026 currently belong to defensive linemen Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett. According to Over the Cap, Chicago must also still clear about $5.3 million in cap space to make back into the black for the 2026 season.
Fortunately for the Bears, the Miami Dolphins may have just provided a solution.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Dolphins are releasing two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb in a cap-related move that will assist in their rebuild. He had two years left on his contract but agreed to a pay cut with Miami in 2025.
Chubb will become an unrestricted free agent immediately after the Dolphins process his release and will have the freedom to sign with a new team before the free agency period opens in March, giving the Bears an option for solving their edge needs early.
Bradley Chubb Carries Risk But Remains Productive
Chubb will come with some risk for whichever team signs him next. He is just two years removed from a torn ACL that wiped out his entire 2024 campaign with the Dolphins. He will also turn 30 before the start of the 2026 season, adding to the injury concerns.
Even still, Chubb remains a productive pass rusher when he is healthy enough to play.
Chubb recorded 19.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and 120 total tackles across his two full seasons with the Dolphins. He also managed to tally 8.5 sacks and 48 pressures in 2025 coming off a torn ACL in 2024, although his pass-rush win rate dipped to below 8%.
The Bears may not love what Chubb’s win rate suggests about his future production, but his early availability could appeal to Ryan Poles and his front office if they plan to sign a veteran pass rusher before the NFL draft. They made similar moves in each of the past two offseasons, signing released veterans Kevin Byard (2024) and Grady Jarrett (2025).
How Much Might Bradley Chubb Cost Bears in 2026?
The Bears need to improve their pass rush in 2026, but their financial constraints will limit their options and likely keep them from pursuing a Maxx Crosby-type addition. Not only are they paying big money to their three defensive line starters, but they also have a few other big roster needs to address, including securing two starting safeties.
If the price is right, though, Chubb might fit within the Bears’ 2026 budget.
Chubb signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Dolphins in 2022, but he is unlikely to receive anywhere near that amount in per-year value on his next contract after the Dolphins restructured his deal multiple times and cut him two seasons early. A more realistic range falls between $10 million and $15 million, likely with incentives.
While Chubb might sign for less money than someone like Trey Hendrickson, though, the Bears must decide whether they prefer to invest on the edge or along the interior. A veteran defensive tackle, such as John Franklin-Myers, might appeal to them more than an over-30 edge rusher, especially with the draft class looking strong for pass rushers.
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